Automatic sleeving splicer

Abstract

A system and method for automatic splicing of rolls of sleeve material used in various packaging markets is provided. The system will automatically splice the prepared end of a new roll onto the expiring end of the prior roll. The system performs an automatic cut and splice operation resulting in a butt splice of the two rolls with tape applied to both sides of the splice joint. The splice can be done in-registration to provide a consistent product repeat length between expiring and new rolls.

What is claimed is: 
     
       1. A sleeve splicer comprising:
 a frame operatively connected to a first sub-frame and a second sub-frame, the first and second sub-frames located on opposite sides of the frame, the first sub-frame having a first vertical path for sleeve material originating on a first roll, the second sub-frame having a second vertical path for sleeve material originating on a second roll;
 the first sub-frame having a first moving nip bar and a second moving nip bar, the first moving nip bar configured to use vacuum to hold an end of a first new roll and apply force, the second moving nip bar configured to use vacuum to hold a first tape to be applied and apply force; 
 a first fixed preparation bar operatively connected to the first sub-frame, the first preparation bar configured with vacuum to hold the end of the first new roll in place in conjunction with the second moving nip bar and further configured with a set of measurement scales to align the end of the first new roll with a running web. 
 
 
     
     
       2. The sleeve splicer of  claim 1  wherein the first sub-frame further comprises a first idler roll. 
     
     
       3. The sleeve splicer of  claim 1  wherein the second sub-frame comprises a third moving nip bar and a fourth moving nip bar, the third moving nip bar configured to use vacuum to hold an end of a second new roll and apply force, the fourth moving nip bar configured to use vacuum to hold a second tape to be applied and apply force. 
     
     
       4. The sleeve splicer of  claim 3  further comprising a second fixed preparation bar operatively connected to the second sub-frame, the second preparation bar configured with vacuum to hold the end of a second new roll in place in conjunction with the third moving nip bar and further configured with a second set of measurement scales to align the end of the second new roll with the running web. 
     
     
       5. The sleeve splicer of  claim 1  further comprising a first idler roll on the first sub-frame and a second idler roll on the second sub-frame. 
     
     
       6. The sleeve splicer of  claim 1  further comprising a guide mechanism, the guide mechanism further comprising:
 a dual thread ball screw operatively connected to a plurality of guide arms having tapered plates for centering a web; and 
 a pair of offset guide rods that pass through the plurality of guide arms to provide a space for web material to pass through. 
 
     
     
       7. The sleeve splicer of  claim 6  further comprising a knob configured to rotate the dual thread ball screw wherein rotation of the dual thread ball screw adjusts the plurality of guide arms. 
     
     
       8. The sleeve splicer of  claim 7  wherein the adjusting of the plurality of guide arms comprises simultaneously centering the plurality of guide arms.